The Ultimate Guide to a Reuben Sandwich plus Beer Pairing
There’s something irresistible about a Reuben sandwich. Tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, gooey melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing unite between two slices of buttery rye bread to create a flavor masterpiece. When paired with a crisp, refreshing beer, it’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest!
If you’re ready to sharpen your culinary skills and bring this iconic sandwich to life, this guide has everything you need to know. From its origins to tips for crafting the ultimate Reuben at home and finding the perfect beer pairing, you’re in for a treat.
What Is a Reuben Sandwich and Where Did It Come From?
The story of the Reuben sandwich takes us back to 1914 in Omaha, Nebraska, where Reuben Kolakofsky, a grocer and founder of the Blackstone Hotel, crafted this hearty delight. Legend has it that he made the sandwich during a poker game with friends, and it quickly became a hit.
The Reuben’s traditional components are what make it iconic:
- Corned Beef for its succulent, briny flavor
- Swiss Cheese for creamy, nutty richness
- Sauerkraut for tangy freshness
- Rye Bread for its earthy, hearty base
- Thousand Island Dressing to tie it all together with a slight sweetness
Over the years, variations have emerged with creative substitutions like pastrami, coleslaw, or even mustard, but the essence of the Reuben remains the same.
How to Make the Perfect Rueben Sandwich Plus Beer at Home
Want to recreate this timeless classic in your kitchen? Making the perfect Reuben is easier than you think, and it all comes down to balancing the flavors and textures.
The Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rye bread (fresh or lightly toasted)
- Deli-style corned beef (thinly sliced)
- Swiss cheese (sliced)
- Sauerkraut (drained)
- Thousand Island dressing (or a DIY mix of mayonnaise and ketchup)
- Butter (for grilling)
- Optional: Yellow mustard for an extra tangy kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients
Start by brushing both sides of your rye bread slices lightly with butter. This ensures a perfectly golden, crisp exterior.
- Layer Your Filling
Place a generous portion of corned beef (about 3-4 slices) on one side of the bread. Add a layer of drained sauerkraut followed by Swiss cheese slices.
- Build and Grill
Gently press the bread slices together to form your sandwich. Heat your skillet to medium, grill the sandwich on one side until golden brown, and carefully flip to cook the other side.
- Sauce It Up
Before serving, spread Thousand Island dressing generously on the inside of one or both slices. If you enjoy an extra zing, add a hint of yellow mustard.
- Serve Hot and Enjoy
Remove the sandwich from the heat, slice it in half, and dig in while it’s warm and melty! Pair it with your favorite side and, of course, a perfectly matched beer.
What Beers Pair Best with a Reuben Sandwich?
Pairing beer with a Reuben is all about complementing the bold, savory flavors of the sandwich. Here are some top picks that elevate the culinary experience:
Classic Pairings
- American Pale Ales and Lagers
Their balanced bitterness and light malt sweetness enhance the sandwich’s deep, savory flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Refreshing Choices
- Hefeweizens or Wheat Beers
These brews offer notes of citrus and wheat that cut through rich ingredients like corned beef and dressing, leaving your palate refreshed.
Fruity and Complex
- Belgian Saisons
With fruity esters and a touch of spice, these beers add a delightful contrast to the Reuben’s hearty basics, creating a vibrant flavor combination.
Whether you prefer the crispness of a lager or the zest of a saison, the goal is to find a beer that enhances the sandwich’s flavor without overpowering it.
Make Today an Occasion to Remember
Food and drink hold the power to bring people together, and a homemade Reuben sandwich paired with the perfect beer is all you need for your next cozy dinner at home or a casual gathering with friends.
Dive into the mouthwatering world of Reuben sandwiches, experiment with flavors, and savor every bite and sip. After all, life is too short for boring meals and mediocre beers. Cheers to good food, great drinks, and unforgettable moments! 🍺🍴
15 Tips for Making the Perfect Reuben Sandwich Plus Beer
Are you ready to take your Rueben sandwich experience to the next level? Whether you’re making it at home or ordering out, here are 15 tips that will guarantee you an amazing meal plus unbeatable beer pairings:
- Choose a quality corned beef: Thick cut slices of corned beef can add hearty texture and flavor to your Rueben sandwich. Look for 100% grass-fed, organic or locally sourced deli-style options for superior taste.
- Don’t skimp on the sauerkraut: Adding a generous layer of good quality sauerkraut is essential to achieve that classic tart flavor profile.
- Toast your rye bread: Unlike other sandwiches, you want to lightly toast your rye bread instead of grilled cheese style as this adds another level of flavor and texture.
- Make sure the Swiss cheese melts: Keeping your heat consistent while grilling is key when getting that melty Swiss cheese finish!
- Don’t forget Thousand Island dressing: What separates traditional Ruebens from other variations is its creamy Thousand Island dressing – don’t forget it!
- Add pickles if desired: So not technically part of the classic Rueben recipe, but some people like adding in pickles for that extra tangy kick – go with whatever floats your boat!
- Enjoy a beer pairing: For many, nothing quite beats enjoying a classic Rueben sandwich accompanied by an ice cold beer – try different styles of brews until you find one perfect for you.
- Host a Rueben party for friends and family: Have everyone bring their favorite ingredients and sauces then get cooking! This simple DIY setup makes for an unforgettable gathering (plus epic food photos) – just don’t forget the beers!
- Create ‘deconstructed’ versions: For something unusual, why not deconstruct all the ingredients and serve them open faced on top of Rye toast with Thousand Islands dressing? Consider topping with boiled eggs too – delicious!
- Visit local delis: Many cities have amazing delis specializing in fresh Reubens – great place to enjoy one made by professionals while taking in some local culture as well!
- Pack them up for lunch: Place cooled down sandwiches in tinfoil or reusable containers so they stay warm while traveling – perfect meal option during long days out and about!
- Get creative with sauces: Try out various dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, garlic-mayo mix, chipotle cream sauce etc… adventurous tastebuds rejoice!
- Cut into sliders: If too intimidated to make full sized sandwiches at home yet still wanting classic Ruebens flavors; cut two slices of rye bread into mini sliders then fill as described above before grilling away on both sides !
- Use leftovers wisely: You don’t have to throw away leftovers – consider adding them onto salads or soups for extra zing throughout the day !
- Share & savor every bite: The best way to truly appreciate any good food is by enjoying it with others; so invite friends over pay tribute to this classic
Frequently Asked Questions about Reuben Sandwiches
Reuben sandwiches are a classic American sandwich that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s the perfect combination of salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing between two slices of rye bread. Not only is it delicious on its own, but it’s even better when shared with friends over a refreshing beer! A Reuben sandwich and beer pairing can take your lunch or dinner to new heights. If you’re looking for some tips to make sure your sandwich is as delicious as possible or just want to find out what type of beer pairs best with a traditional Reuben, then look no further than our FAQ section below.
What ingredients are needed to make a Reuben sandwich?
Answer: The classic Reuben sandwich includes corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing sandwiched between two slices of rye bread.
How do I make sure my Reuben sandwiches turn out perfectly every time?
Answer: Start by using high-quality ingredients and take your time when preparing the sandwich. For the best results, be sure to use fresh-sliced corned beef and be generous with the Thousand Island dressing.
Is there a way to keep the sandwiches warm while I’m serving them to friends?
Answer: Yes! To keep the sandwiches warm until you serve them, preheat your oven to 350°F and wrap each sandwich in foil before putting it on a baking sheet in the oven for about 10 minutes or until everything is hot and melted together.
Is there an easy way to transport Reuben sandwiches for picnics or barbecues?
Answer: Yes! Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, then store them in an airtight container or cooler until you’re ready to eat them.
Should I cook the fillings separately before assembling my Reuben sandwiches?
Answer: No, you don’t need to cook any of the fillings separately – just assemble them into one big stack between two slices of rye bread and enjoy! The heat from cooking will help melt everything together nicely without having to do any extra work beforehand.
Does it matter whether I use dark or light rye bread for my Reuben sandwiches?
Answer: It really depends on personal preference – some people prefer dark rye while others like light rye better. Experiment with both types of bread until you find which one you like best!
Can vegetarian versions of a Reuben sandwich be made?
Answer: Absolutely! Just swap out the corned beef for something like grilled tempeh or eggplant slices and leave out any other non-vegetarian toppings like sauerkraut if desired – otherwise add whatever veggies and condiments that sound good to you!
Does making a Reuben require any special kitchen tools or gadgets?
Answer: Generally speaking there’s no need for anything too fancy – all you need is a skillet (or griddle) to cook up your ingredients on, plus plates or trays for assembly and serving afterwards. You could also invest in a panini press if desired, but that isn’t necessary either!
What kind of sides go well with Reubens?
Answer: Some great side dishes that complement a hearty Reuben include coleslaw, potato salad, french fries or tater tot casserole – feel free to get creative with what goes best with your favorite version of this classic sandwich combo!
Can I make mini versions of a traditional Reuben sandwich as finger food appetizers?
Answer: Absolutely – just cut down your standard size rye bread slices into smaller pieces (2 inch squares should work well), then layer on your ingredients accordingly before baking in the oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes until everything is hot & melty! Serve immediately & enjoy!
Are there any regional variations on how people typically make their own version of this classic American dish?
Answer: Yes – depending on which part of America you’re in (and even what part of Europe!) different recipes can vary wildly when it comes to how they prepare their own version of the iconic Reuben sandwich – so always feel free experiment & add new flavor combinations & toppings that appeal most to your own tastes & dietary preferences!
What condiments pair best with a homemade Reuben sandwich?
Answer: A few favorite condiment accompaniments often found within popular versions include yellow mustard along with mayonnaise or ketchup based sauces such as Russian dressing, thousand island dressing etc… Feel free though to tweak your own recipe however desired though as long as it still tastes delicious afterwards . . . !
What type of beer pairs well with a traditional reuben ?
Answer: A lot depends upon personal preference but generally speaking most types medium bodied ales such as Pale Ale’s , Hefeweizens , India Pale Ales , Amber Ales etc… go best since they offer enough flavor complexity without overpowering the flavors within this classic American dish itself .
Do I need melted cheese on my reubens?
Answer : Not necessarily , although many people consider cheese one integral component towards achieving authentic tasting results . If so desired though feel free to forego cheese entirely from recipes when experimenting within home kitchens … yet again
